Procession: Shiite group speaks on violence in Abuja, other cities

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has assured residents of Abuja and other cities of the country that there will not be any violence during its annual religious mourning procession, popularly known as Ashura.

The group gave this assurance in a statement signed by Ibrahim Musa, President of its Media forum and made available to PRNigeria on Wednesday.

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We “vehemently discountenance some alarmist message that have gone viral on the social media insinuating that the Shi’a annual religious mourning procession, popularly known as Ashura will be violent in Abuja and other cities across the nation, with some saying people should stay indoors to avoid eminent clash with the mourners.

“This message, to say the least, is mischievous and is aimed at causing unnecessary hysteria among citizens…we have been holding these annual Ashura marches for decades here in Nigeria peacefully, and this year’s own won’t be an exception.

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“For those who are hearing about Ashura procession for the first time, it is held annually on the 10th of the first Islamic calendar month, Muharram, to commemorate the martyrdom of the third rightly guided Imam, Hussein (as), and scores of his companions who were mostly members of the Prophet’s family at the hands of the despotic ruler of the time, Yazid (LA).

“Ashura mourning session has been happening in Nigeria since time immemorial in various forms. Most notable of which is the one marked by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, when mourners of Imam Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet (S), mostly clad in black, hold flags and banners to solemnly march in a funeral procession.”

While assuring that the group will not be violent during the ritual, the group said it will continue to “enlighten citizens on the injustice meted to the Grandson of the Prophet, Imam Husain (AS) in the year 61AH and also to remind the public of the oppression suffered by Sheikh Zakzaky since December, 2015, hence demand for his unconditional release along with hundreds of others still languishing in jail by this administration.”